UNIBET (re)enter the French market: UNIBET Group plc announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire 100% shares of French company Solfive SAS, owner of SPS Betting France SAS. -... Media Partnership between Casino Life & Business Magazine and Princess Club: Devoted to the idea to be present where the action is, Casino Life & Business Magazine renewed the Media Partnership with the Princess Club from... 2011 Casino Life & Business Magazine Awards will have 14 categories: The 2011 edition of the so called Romanian gambling industry Awards, Casino Life & Business Magazine Awards Gala has 14 categories. - The awards... Casino Life & Business Magazine for the second time nominated for International Gaming Awards: The organizers of the fifth edition of the important event International Gaming Awards which will be held in the luxurious rooms of the Sheraton Park... Professional German poker player Pius Heinz won an $8.7 million at the World Series of Poker championship: Heinz, 22, became the first German to win poker's most prestigious title, coming out on top of a field of more than 6,800 players from 85 countries... 10 MILLION DOLLARS PRIZES FOR THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY : PokerStars.com is celebrating its 10th anniversary and for this special moment there will be lots of promotions and tournaments with prizes of more... Media Partnerships of Casino Life & Business Magazine: As per our new Media Partnerships we present you the program of this week. - - Wednesday, November 2, Zebbra Club will host aKaraoke & Party... SHUFFLE MASTER is a Silver Sponsor for the International Gaming Awards: The 5th edition of the International Gaming Awards Gala which will be held in London on January 23, 2012 has a new Sponsor. - We are talking about... Casinos in Asia?!: Is there a chancefor thecasinos in Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Taiwan? - Asian gaming experts are saying that these locations will soon... Bet365 has reached 6 million players: Bet365 has reached 6 million players. - Photo: gaming-awards.com - In the Press Release given by the company with this occasion, Bet365 is stressing...

Nr. 5 / March-April 2008

CasinoBoatOnline – THE PLEASURE CRUISE

April 2008

A new portal for the gambling and online games enthusiasts is now on the international map of gambling: CasinoBoatOnline!

The CasinoBoat Online play- ers can enjoy a vast selection of games, including pai gow, bac- carat, blackjack, craps, slot ma- chines, texas holdem poker, let it ride, video poker an many other captivating matches. The portal is very special. The first thing which astonishes you when visiting www.casinoboat online.com is the idea of playing on a virtual ship, of being on a cruise where you come back a winner. iThe pleasure cruise pro- vides five playing rooms (the slot rooms, the board games room, the poker room, the sport bets room and the Players Club). THE BENEFITS ARE TEMPTING Sport bets amateurs aren’t left out either. They can bet on a vast range of sports, and the winnings are tempting. The bonuses are shore to attract the curious. Each player receives a 10% bonus on his first deposit. For example, for a 1,000 Euro de- posit you get a 100 Euro bonus, and for a 5,000 Euro deposit the bonus is 500 Euro. Amateur and professional poker players can qualify for the “World Series of Poker” and other poker tourna- ments with prizes up to 100.000 dollars and for the CasinoBoa- tOnline grand prize of 5 million dollars. A single withdrawal is al- lowed per month, and the play- er can choose a simple way of receiving the money, through couriers. CasinoBoatOnline makes sure that all players are reward- ed, with monthly prizes that are sure to make the site one of the most popular and visited. Among the benefits CasinoBoat Online offers are security, “light“ deposits, easy wins, compensation of deposit fees, guaranteed privacy and most important, prizes consisting in trips around the world. All this with no effort whatsoever, not even needing to go to a casino. In order to become a renowned gaming portal, Casi- noBoatOnline associated with the best known gaming and bet- ting portals. For example, in order to play pai gow poker, CBO offers a link for the game. With a hefty list of sites, betting and online gaming enthusiasts can rapidly access any game they desire. Becoming a member of the Players Club is very easy. All you have to do is fill-in the registration form on the site, and bon voyage!

ONLINE CASINOS

April 2008

Casinos and online gambling are the largest and most active business in the world. Last yearís revenues reached 8 billion dollars and it is being estimated that until 2010 the amount will rise to 12 billion. There are currently over 2,400 online casinos operating worldwide.

A PROFITABLE LICENSE!

An online casino license is a valid passport to wealth, and a large part of the billions of dollars won return to the pockets of the countries which grant such licenses, also creating or developing the field of technology in the meantime. Over 50 countries (including the USA, Great Britain, Ireland, and Australia) currently issue online gambling licenses, Antigua Island being the paradise of those wishing to quickly obtain a valid license.

No less than 100 casinos operate here licensed by the Antigua Directorate of Offshore Gaming. Together with the government of the island, the council ensures the correctness of gambling and has an active role in monitoring transaction and preventing money laundering. As not all things can be like heaven, the government has implemented a 3% tax on revenue from online activities, but has reduced registration fees to 75,000 dollars for casinos and 50,000 dollars for sport bets. On the other side of the continent, in Nevada and New Jersey, the approval of an application for license can take between 1-2 years, during which the applicant must prove its capacity to operate a casino in compliance with the law. Furthermore, the applicant must also support the cost of an independent assessment of the accuracy of application form answers. These costs usually range between 500,000 and a million dollars, not including legal expenses. License fees are calculated based on the number of slot machines and games (250 dollars per year for a slot machine and between 200 and 1,000 dollars for each table game), and the annual fee amounts to 3.5% of the total revenue. Online gambling territory remains prone to “attacks“ by controversial political ideologies, such as the one in North America, where gambling is strictly forbidden.

THE LICENSING TAX FOR GAMBLING ACTIVITIES

April 2008

The licensing regulations for gambling activities are provided by the Urgent Ordinance of Government no. 69/1998, amended by subsequent modifications and additions.

Thus, the regulation provides that companies organizing and operating gambling activities may do so only on basis of the license issued by the Ministry of Public Finances, referred to as Gambling Operation License. The gambling operation license is valid for a 12month period from the date of issuance and implies an annual levy, with value and payment term provided by law. In this respect, it is to be mentioned that the authorities offer the possibility of payment of the annual levy through monthly installments, rather than a lump-sum in advance.

Art. 2 par. 3 of the U.O.G.. no 69/1998, amended by subsequent modifications and additions, provides that it is mandatory to present a copy of the documents proving the payment of the licensing tax as well as the first installment, upon the issuance of the gambling operation license. Failure to pay a monthly installment of the licensing tax in due time leads to suspension of the license, and failure to pay monthly installments for a period above two months leads to withdrawal of the gambling operation license (Art. 3 par. 1 of the U.O.G. no 69/1998, amended by subsequent modifications and additions).

Considering that the validity period of the gambling operation license is one fiscal year, and the annual authorization levy is split into monthly installments, the question arises if monthly installments are still owed should the bearer of the license cease activity during the respective fiscal year, regardless of reason. In accordance with the provisions of art. 3 par. 4 of the above-mentioned ordinance, after the suspension or cancellation of the gambling operation license, as well as the cease of the gambling activities, under any form whatsoever, the companies running gambling activities are still liable to pay the remaining installments, in due time as provided by law, until the date in which the license ceases to be effective. In a particular case, The Constitutional Court, ruling on the constitutionality of the provisions of art. 3 par. 4, of the Urgent Ordinance of Government no. 69/1998 regarding the licensing regulations, with subsequent modifications, has decided that the text is constitutional. In support of its ruling, the Constitutional Court has stated that “the said taxes represent payment for a performance by the state, that is to say the granting of a license for gambling operation, for a one-year period from the date of issuance.

The gambling operation license is valid for a minimum period of one fiscal year, thus the state has fulfilled its undertaking, is entitled and will pursue the receipt of the due taxes provided by law. The circumstance in which the license has been suspended or withdrawn by the sole guilt of the beneficiary, or the bearer of the license has decided to cease gambling activities is not opposable to the state and shall not be construed as a motive of exoneration from the liability of reimbursing the due tax in full.” Therefore, the Court has ruled that the supporting the author of the exception is unsustainable, in a sense that following the suspension or withdrawal of the gambling license, payment of the due installments would not be justified. Expressing its point of view, the Government considers the text of law constitutional, as:

? “according to art. 2 par. 1 of the Urgent Ordinance of Government, the granting taxes for the gambling operation license are on a yearly-basis, and companies running gambling activities thereby undertake the risk of running the said activity for the entire year, on the account of such taxes.”

? “the state budget cannot rely, during its establishment and designation of resources, on random sources of income, but on stable ones.”

? “liabilities to the state budget are a topic of public interest, therefore the restraints, conditions and measures and protection imposed by the state through legal provisions shall not be construed as a threat to private rights and interest, but as an expression of public interest”, in accordance with art. 134 par (2) let. b) of the Constitution, which provides that the State must “ensure the protection of national interests within the economic, financial and foreign exchange activities”.

To conclude, regardless of the reasons for which the bearer of the license ceases its activity before the one-year term, he remains liable for the payment of the licensing tax accompanying the gambling operation license.

Victor Eros

April 2008

HOW WAS THE BEGINNING OF YOUR CAREER?

The beginning of my career was a very favorable one. I started my activity in an economic company, where I lead the plastics, rubber and composite plastics production; it was a field with a little bit of new perspectives, quite considerable for that time, I mean in the sixties. It was a work environment where I could perform and where, from the professional point of view, I felt something that afterwards I never felt.

WHICH WERE THE FOLLOWING STAGES UP TO THE APPOINTMENT AS A MEMBER OF ROMANIAN NATIONAL SECURITIES COMMISSION?

The second stage of my career was represented by my specialization in an innovating field for the seventies, such as the field of organizational and informatics projects. Here, I had the opportunity to lead large projects, among which one of the greatest was the computerization of the natural gas distribution for 19 counties. It was a project in which I used all my knowledge and from which I learned a lot of things. Then, it followed a period in which I worked in the research field, data bases, within the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, being the only province town member, part of a team of 10 specialists. After 1990, I tried to valuate myself as a public person and I set up a limited liability company (LLC), having as object of activity planning and informatics. One of the most successful and profitable projects developed within this LLC was the planning and the set up of the Romexterra bank, in 1993. As of this year, I re-oriented my activities towards the financial-banking field, and I had various positions within the Board of Directors of this bank, up to the beginning of 1998. As of 1998 up to the end of 2000, I was directly involved in the privatization process, in Romania, as the State Secretary of the Ministry of Privatization, and later on, as the Vice-president of the privatization authority.

HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK WITHIN THE ROMANIAN NATIONAL SECURITIES COMMISSION AND WHAT WOULD BE THE GREATEST SATISFACTION YOU HAD THERE?

As the re-organization process of the Romanian National Securities Commission performed in July 2001, I was empowered as member of this institution, in the capacity of commissary, by the two Chambers of the Romanian Parliament. The knowledge and the experience gathered within the production, organizational and informatics fields, as well as within the banking system proved to be solid information, which allowed me to fulfill the mandate and to be re-appointed in 2004, too. The introduction of securities on the capital market, starting with the municipal bonds and then the corporate bonds of some great companies, was the greatest satisfaction within this field of activity. The continuous diversification of this product of the capital market is ensured by the enactment of the mortgage bonds and secured financial instruments issuance. As a consequence, the economy financing and crediting is also ensured by the capital market.

THE ROMANIAN NATIONAL SECURITIES COMMISSION IS AN INSTITUTION WHICH TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE VERY FEW KNOWN BY THE ROMANIAN PEOPLE. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE IT IN THE LIGHT OF YOUR EXPERIENCE?

The Romanian National Securities Commission, as an autonomous administrative authority has as main objectives: to set up and to maintain the frame appropriate for the development of the regulated markets, to promote the reliability on the regulated markets and financial instruments, to assure the protection of the financial players and the investors against unfair, abusive and false pretences, respectively to promote the correct and transparent functioning of the regulated markets.

The Romanian National Securities Commission managed: to develop the capital market, in Romania, to decrease the investment risks on this market, to expand the products and, last but not least, to have a conclusive contribution to the framing within the European Union market system. The settlement-authorization effort was quite huge, taking into consideration the complexity of the issues within the alignment process to the new requirements imposed by the European Directives.

Therewith, we must take into consideration that, in Romania, the financing of the national economy on the capital market represents only few hundred percents of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while in USA, for example, is with 1.3 higher than the GDP. The Romanian National Securities Commission sets up to increase the percent of the instruments related to the capital market in order to finance the economy, during the following years, so that to get nearer of the developed countries level.

LAST YEAR, THE ROMANIAN NATIONAL SECURITIES COMMISSION INITIATED A RELIEF POLITICS RELATED TO THE FEES AND TARIFFS REGIME OBTAINED AS A RESULT OF THE OPERATIONS PERFORMED ON THE REGULATED MARKETS. SHALL THIS POLITICS BE CONTINUED?

In Europe, the financing of the authorities similar to the Romanian National Securities Commission is performed from the budget of the country and/or auto-financing sources. The Romanian National Securities Commission auto finances itself hundred percent, by cashing in tariffs and fees, respectively quotas adherent to the transactions and public offers values, and for the collective investment companies there are quotas calculated to the net worth, as well as other revenues provided in the status.

The continuous decrease of these revenues, interpreted in relation with the increase of the financial effort regarding the cooperation with the specific institutions of the European Commission, would provoke serious malfunctions. In conclusion, from my point of view, I do not agree with the relief politics of the fees and tariffs regime, and I would rather adopt their adjustment according to the size, respectively the transaction volume of the operations performed on the market, depending on the situation.

LATELY, EVERYBODY SPEAK ABOUT AN AMENDMENT OF THE CAPITAL MARKET LAW. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT?

Basically, I agree upon the amendment of the 5% cap of the shares of a shareholder to a market player (Bucharest Stock Exchange and Sibiu Commodity and Stock Exchange). This cap is a serious obstacle for the framing within the merger and purchase processes in the stock field of the Romanian capital market. Notwithstanding, I consider that the moment of the Law 297/2004 amendment should be after this year Parliament elections.

DOU YOU THINK THE EXPECTED TRANSPARENCY LEVEL ON THE REGULATED MARKETS HAS BEEN REACHED?

After 2001, it was initiated a process of increasing the transparency level on these markets and partially, this was a success. This can also be proved by such phenomena, as National Investment Fund, can produce less and less. A fraud cannot be stopped, but the transparency ensures its disclosure, on time.

HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE ROMANIAN NATIONAL SECURITIES COMMISSION AND BUCHAREST STOCK EXCHANGE?

The relations between them are good, and this is due to the fact that at Bucharest Stock Exchange there are persons who were prior part of the National Securities Association, and out of which the Romanian National Securities Commission developed. I hereof refer to Mr. Farmache and to other members who set up the basis of the authorization, regulation and control of the markets and created the appropriate conditions for their applicability. Thus, I must specify that the basic relation between the Romanian National Securities Commission and the Bucharest Stock Exchange is the one of regulating authority and its subject authority, meaning that the authority has the right and the obligation to supervise and control the activity of this stock player, as well as of the market managed by it.

THE WRITTEN MEDIA STIPULATES THE IDEA THAT THE SPIN OFF OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR RESEARCH ON THE COMMUNIST SECRET SERVICE ARCHIVE MIGHT BE A CASE LAW FOR THE SPINNING OFF OF OTHER INSTITUTIONS SUBJECT TO THE PARLIAMENT. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS STATEMENT?

It is an unprofessional statement, but the media’s freedom must be respected. As we just have joined the European Union, where there are strict directives regarding the market regulation and where preventive investment measures are adopted, we cannot speak about the dissolution of the supervising authority, the Romanian National Securities Commission. The comparison with the National Council for Research on the Communist Secret Service Archive is groundless. HAVE YOU EVER PUT THE PRAGMATISM ASIDE IN ORDER TO TAKE CHANCES AND GAMBLE IN A CASINO, FOR EXAMPLE?

I had the opportunity to see some of the most famous casinos in Las Vegas, as well as in Macao. I entered the casinos, but I never gambled. I consider that the gambling addiction is a characteristic of the human being, of Homo Ludens.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE MARKET OF THE GAMBLING, IN ROMANIA?

If this market brings benefits to the country, then it should be allowed to function and to develop! Unfortunately there are some who attributes a pejorative sense to the casino, but they accept the lottery games and the sports betting.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE “CASINO” MAGAZINE?

It is a magazine that I have recently discovered. I admit that it has a very good image, but I have to convince myself of the quality of its content by reading it.

ben affleck – THE HOLLYWOOD PRO

April 2008

He is called “the Pro”. Considered by the dedicated press to be the most important poker player in Hollywood, Ben Affleck, the star of Armageddon, Daredevil and Pearl Harbor has won nearly half a million dollars at the poker table.

Gambling can be considered at home in Hollywood. Most of the American movie stars have mingled with casinos or are frequent players. Some do it for pleasure, for others its business, as Las Vegas and worldwide casinos are paying important amounts in order to host famous stars in their casinos, which bring customers and publicity.

Ben Affleck is from a different league though, being a true game enthusiast. For him, poker is a challenge which offers him the greatest satisfaction. “The game is way of getting to know me, to rev my engine to full throttle.

Besides acting, the gambling table brings out the best in me, as my senses are at their highest” said Affleck in a interview for “People” magazine. And the results are amazing for an amateur player.

The 37 year old actor has won almost half a million dollars to date from poker.

His greatest success was recorded in June 2004, when he took part at the Commerce Casino’s California State Poker Championship and clearly won it, much to the surprise of the press. Affleck finished in front of 90 professional poker players, among which Stan Goldstein, the runner-up and Chuck Pacheco, president and cofounder of Castle Rock Entertainment. The win brought him 356,400 dollars. A year later, he managed yet another success, wining 25,000 dollars at the World Poker Tour (WPT) Championship.

“There are some events which I like to remember. These were, of course, my greatest wins, but without meaning to show off, I had other wins at the poker table.

Iím not in it for the money, for me itís the game, the victory, the analysis, the fever and the passion of holding the cards and raising the stakes“ said Affleck.

FROM THE ACTING CAREER TO THE POKER TABLE Ben Affleck is one of the highest ranked actors in Hollywood. He has made of fortune from acting, received dozens of awards, with wages of 3-4 million Euro per movie, and the press praises his acting skills. “If I were to loose all this, to give up movies and acting, I would definitely devote myself to poker. I would start studying seriously, in order to become a real pro“ said the actor. And the gambling press considers him a contender in the world of poker.

“Affleck is already a pro. I have watched his game, studied his reaction and I can tell you the boy is talented, no doubt about it. And talent is rare. Intuition, anticipation, and sparkle canít be learned, you are born with them.

If he were to give up acting, he would definitely have a place at the poker table. And believe me, he would certainly be successful“, said Jamie Gold, the 2006 World Series of Poker winner.

GAMBLING PSYCHOLOGY FROM 1 EURO TO THE MILLION

April 2008

Gambling has been popular ever since ancient times. From classic card games, invented in antiquity, to 3D gambling, all these have a main feature: the will to win. A feeling that is able to offer great satisfaction, but also lead to great depression.

Tens or maybe hundreds of thousand pages have been written about transforming 1 Euro to a million and rapidly winning money at the game table. The bookstores are full of courses on ways of winning fast money, game methods, tactics, statistics and optimal means of turning one into a winner. Apart from all these, the game means self-containment, concentration and cold blood. Things which you cannot read about in books, which depend on each and everyone’s strength.

FIVE MOST IMPORTANT TIPS FROM PSYCHOLOGISTS

According to American psychologists Dominic Massaro, from the University of California, one must have five fundamental features when sitting down at the gambling table – control, anticipation, self-analysis, relaxation and optimism. Massaro, author of one of the best known studies regarding gambling, the passion for the game and addictedness, believes these five features, even if they will not necessarily bring you victory, as chance has a great role in the game, will certainly make you clearer, more connected to the facts. “First of all, when playing poker you must be able to control your reactions. This means mimicry, language and attitude. If one doesn’t know how to conceal the joy of a good card, or the deceit of receiving a bad one, he is lost. The other players will read him like a book. Second of all one must learn to anticipate the opponent’s moves. Study of the game and experience are of great imporgambling table – control, anticipation, self-analysis, relaxation and optimism. Massaro, author of one of the best known studies regarding gambling, the passion for the game and addictedness, believes these five features, even if they will not necessarily bring you victory, as chance has a great role in the game, will certainly make you clearer, more connected to the facts. “First of all, when playing poker you must be able to control your reactions. This means mimicry, language and attitude. If one doesn’t know how to conceal the joy of a good card, or the deceit of receiving a bad one, he is lost. The other players will read him like a book. Second of all one must learn to anticipate the opponent’s moves. Study of the game and experience are of great importance, but it also possible to compensate with a sense of observation. Studying the opponent, observing his reactions when winning, when losing, manifesting surprise, fear and satisfaction counts for 30% of a profitable decision at the gambling table“ adds Massaro.

According to the famous American psychologist, who studied the behavior of famous Las Vegas players for two years, self-analysis is an extremely important factor in being a winner. “One must continually asses his performance, overcome his limits, gain experience, study, to entail upon himself to know more. Selfassessment, evaluating your own strengths and weaknesses is absolutely fundamental,“ explains the psychologist. Relaxation and optimism, in Dr. Dominic Massaro’s opinion, are two other fundamental features one must consider when entering a casino.

“Optimism must be the common word. If one does not start off considering he is a winner, doesn’t think positive and see beyond things, he shouldn’t be gambling. A scared, pessimistic, faint-hearted player is bound to be read by his opponents and his money will certainly end up in their pockets.

And as for relaxation, it is a mood which one must feel as often as possible. After an hour of gambling, one must get-up and relax. Having a drink, forgetting about the game, watching a show, laughing, eating, all these are great for relieving the stress. A stressed-out player is sure to lose. Leaving the table for a few hours will ensure coming back fresh, with a clear head, reloaded for success,“ concluded the psychologist.

THE TRAP OF ADDICTION

Gambling is addictive. It is officially acknowledged. It is a fact which affects many people. Psychologists say that the addictedness starts when the game takes you over, when self-containment disappears, when you win a large amount. “The etiology of addictedness also considers biological vulnerability, apart from psychological features, as recent studies argue on placing gambling in obsessive-compulsive or addictive (substance addiction) behavior,“ explains professor Martin Probech, from the Psychiatric Institute of Viena. “When one feels the need to play larger and larger amounts, experiencing severe problems when not playing, if one loses and comes back with the last funds left hoping to make the break of a lifetime, he is addicted. Then it is time to give up gambling and see a specialist,“ said Probech.

FROM THE SIBERIAN WASTELAND TO THE BURJ AL ARAB

April 2008

RUSSIAN BILLIONAIRES HAVE BECAME REGULARS IN THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE RESORTS

Only a few of the best known holiday destination, in which the Russian language is a must for the managers of the biggest hotels and restaurants.

Broken free from the chains of communism and having achieved great fortunes over night, Russia’s billionaires have discovered the benefits of capitalism. From building sumptuous palaces, to buying luxury vehicles, planes, yachts and other “goods”, the Rus- sians have overturned the top of the rich. According to Forbes, out of the top 100 bil- lionaires in the world, 12 are from the ex-soviet space. Ac- cording to Forbes, “the Rus- sians have discovered luxury, and the most exclusive holiday resorts have been taken by storm. Everywhere you go, you hear Russian spoken, which has become a must for the 5- star resorts employee’s”.

SERGHEI HAS A PRIVATE PLANE AND RESIDENCES IN SOUTHERN FRANCE

Serghei is the “Joe” of the new- ly enriched of the former soviet space. This is because most of them have gained their fortunes through less orthodox methods, prefer traveling incognito, with pri- vate planes and surrounded by bodyguards. “Serghei has his own plane and flies from Moscow to Dubai, always checking in at the Burj Al Arab. Of course this is only until his villa, bought in the new Palm on-sea complex, will be ready” describe the Inside journal- ist the new “kings of world luxury”, in article dedicated to Russian bil- lionaires.

“He flies in his private plane to his shopping destinations, Paris, Milan and other metropolis, where he cruises around in a Maserati with driver and bodyguard. When on holiday, everything is at his de- mand”, tells the Insider. “Serghei” properly repays those who offer him all the best of “occidental decadence”. Russians love throw- ing money. They can pay over 10,000 Euro for a meal, or give hundred Euro tips, all this because they have learnt and important les- son, that money opens all doors.

They spend millions in casinos, buy jewelry and artwork; they are a true gold mine for the luxury indus- try”, concludes the American mag- azine. In a study performed last year by Vacances International on deluxe vacations and the prefer- ences of top customers, Russians rank first in the top of highest spen- ding tourists, followed by Ameri- cans, Japanese and Germans.

FROM YACHTS TO ARTIFICIAL SNOW

Apart from luxurious trips to Dubai, Indonesia or the Polynesian Sea, a true holiday to suit a Russ- ian billionaire means a cruise with his own yacht, owning such a ves- sel being mandatory for one who has self-respect. Billionaire Roman Abramovici, owner of the English football club Chelsea, has paid 135 million dollars for a 115 m yacht, christened Pelorus. Another Russian oligarch, Evgheni Svidler, friend and associate, owns a 108 m yacht, “Le Grand Bleu”, evaluat- ed at 114 million dollars. Hundreds such vessels exist in Russia.

When they are not sailing across the world, the more than 2000 members of the Yacht Club Russia feast at the annual nautical festival held on the Moscow River. When they eventually get tired of their personal planes, cruises, Burj al Arab, Las Vegas and Macao, the Russians have new means of entertainment. In midsummer Moscow, they can sky on a huge artificial slope, 360 meters long, which takes 4000 tons of snow to be covered. The value of the in- vestment, 10 million Euro is pocket money for the Russian billionaires, which promise three more artificial sky slopes before 2010.

Casinos around the world

April 2008

If you haven’t yet visited one of the most famous casinos in the world, well… then it is time to learn a few things about them.

In the beginning, casinos were all about gambling, ignoring all the other accommodation aspects, which players back then, especially the ones spending large amounts of money, would have wanted or required. It was in the 60s than casinos started to develop their services, offering many more incentives in order to attract players. But the real difference is made by the other aspects: hotel rooms, included services, shows for tourists, memorable performances (from Sinatra to Celine Dion) and luxurious restaurants. These are the details which can rank a casino among the world’s best.

BADEN-BADEN CASINO

Located, as its name suggests, in the Baden-Baden resort, called Kurhaus by the locals and situated west of the Oosbach River, it is Germany’s oldest casino. Locals say it is hard to imagine Baden-Baden without its casino or its famous thermal baths. The casino is in the right wing of the building, with the game rooms, while the left wing hosts the high-class restaurant, with an astonishing view of the beautiful gardens.

The first official document mentioning gambling dates back in 1748. The casino was opened first in 1809, its owners changing during time. In 1838, Jacques BEnazet takes charge of the Chabert casino, and 10 years later, his son Edouard Bénazet inherits the business after his death. By opening new gambling rooms in the right wing of the Kurhaus, Bénazet succeeds in attracting his friends in the high society to the casino and treat his customers with the presence of important artists, musicians and actors of the time. Closed in 1872 by order of the Berlin government, the casino is reopened in 1950. To name a famous quote, Marlene Dietrich called it ithe most beautiful casino in the worldî. After more than 200 years, the casino remains among the best in the world; its interiors designed by famous designers from 19th century Paris still compete with modern ones and never cease to fascinate: the Winter Garden, the Red Hall, the Florentine Hall and the Pompadour Saloon.

In accordance with legal provisions, all restaurants and the casino are closed seven days a year, during national holidays. In the rest of the year, anyone hosted in the hotel can gamble in the casino, observing however the dress code. If you are not equipped with a suit and tie, the hosts are willing to lend such apparel. This brief presentation of the Kurhaus wouldn’t be complete without the special night dedicated to the ladies. “Lady Day“ features live music and is held every second Thursday of each month, during which the ladies are in the center of attention. They are allowed free entrance in the casino and receive a voucher for Wheel of Fortune. The ladies also have the chance of winning 50, 100 or 150 Euro vouchers for the Dorint Sofitel Maison Messmer Spa in BadenBaden.

ST. JAMES CLUB

Another famous casino is St. James Club of Antigua, not so much due to its size, as due the deluxe services it offers. Located on a 100-acre private peninsula, this high-class establishment offers an unforgettable view of the ocean and the two white sand beaches. St. James Club provides a large range of time spending options. During daytime the two beaches, four pools and a children’s club make the delight of the peninsula. After nightfall, the four restaurants, located either in the gardens or on water attract tourists with their exquisite menus.

St. James Club meets all the criteria in order to make one feel pampered. From relaxing by reading a book under a palm tree, to windsurfing or tempting faith by playing one of the 55 slot machines or at one of the 5 poker, roulette and black jack tables, everything is appealing and pleasant, whether you came to lay back or try it all.

One of the most beautiful and exclusive residential areas is located in Rockdale county in the state of Georgia. “Underwood Crossing” displays, without being ostentatious, the most beautiful castles built in European style, exact copies of some of the most renowned residences such as Avignon, Bardi, Marksburg, Saint Andrews or Windsor. Their authenticity was never doubted, because Mark Smith, “the head” of the business, managed to fully reproduce the royal aspect of the old European castles, charming the potential buyers.

Platinium Night

April 2008

The end of January was celebrated at the Platinum Casino through an event entitled “Platinum Night”.

The event was a proper continuation of the special series of events held by the casino for its customers in 2007. In an exclusive ambiance, the participants turned a chilly winter’s night into a flaming one. The monthly sweepstake with prizes amounting to 10,000 Euro had a great contribution in raising the adrenaline and for the pleasure of gambling.

The atmosphere was also animated by a performance the Bordo band and displays of modern dance. The guests also feasted with specialties from the Platinum menu. Yet again, Platinum Casino proved the place to be for gambling fans and party people.

Welcome to the Olympic Casino Titulescu!

April 2008
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After announcing, on December 4th last year, the opening of Olympic Aqua World Casino, Olympic Casino Titulescu was also opened in January.

Those who have already entered one of the Olympic casinos will have every reason to enjoy this new addition, as it is built meeting the highest standards of quality and innovation.

Located on 39-49 Nicolae Titulescu Blvd, here you can choose between your favorite games and all time favorites, in original scenery designed in the Olympic style.

The theme is the tropical rainforest, bringing an exotic trend to the casino.

Everyone will certain enjoy the best service and special moments, as in all the Olympic casinos. Olympic Casino Titulescu can be regarded as an oasis for casino lovers.

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